Chapter 166: A Morning At Mendel’s
The pale light of dawn crept through the frost-kissed windows of the Mendel residence, casting a soft glow on the hardwood floors.
Reya and Lara were already awake, their footsteps quiet as they moved about the kitchen. The hearth had been lit, crackling gently in the corner, warding off the chill of the cold January morning—the coldest month of the year.
A large pot of porridge simmered on the stove, the steam curling upward like a soft breath. Under Lara’s careful instruction, Reya stirred in shredded chicken, chopped boiled eggs, roasted garlic, and a handful of finely sliced spring onions. The savory aroma filled the house, warm and comforting.
The Norse siblings, having woken up early to return to the inn and freshen up, were drawn in by a delicious aroma that led them to the kitchen. However, they were disappointed to discover that it was only simple porridge.
Lara turned to them with a bright smile that warmed more than the fire ever could. "You’re awake. Come, have breakfast first."
When she was Lara Starr, she was quiet and reserved. But now, she had grown into her role in this household—a reliable older sister figure, thanks to Reya, Sandoz, and the others who now leaned on her strength. She filled bowls with practiced hands, ladling the steaming porridge into earthenware bowls. Then, she poured them mugs of thick, creamy hot chocolate, sweetened with wild honey and enriched with the fresh cow’s milk delivered every morning by a farmer Grandpa Jethru had long done business with. Originally intended for the children, Lara believed everyone deserved a little warmth today.
The three siblings who initially showed disgust at the porridge now have smiles brighter than the morning sun. Lara prepared bowls for them and also gave them piping hot chocolate sweetened with honey and made creamy with cow’s milk, which was freshly delivered every day by a farmer Grandpa Jethru had a deal with. The milk, of course, was for the children.
"What drink is this?" Bener asked, eyeing the thick, caramel-colored liquid inside his ceramic mug. Steam rose in lazy spirals.
"It’s chocolate," Lara said with a smile. "Made from fermented cacao beans ground into paste. It’s my favorite—second only to coffee and tea."